Projection

I tell my thoughts
and, sometimes
feelings,
exactly as I want.
I do not force
an interpretation
onto someone else.
Why then
are some so convinced
that they know
what I mean
and I should
validate them.
It’s almost like
it’s not even
about me
after all.

Reviews

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yes, projection, that can happen at times.
Some readers might identify with the writer's work so much, they can feel it is about them or gave it a whole new meaning, never intended by the author.
Green, your words make much sense.
Another piece I really enjoyed reading.
I truly appreciate your honest poetry.
And our words are always our own, no matter how many can relate.
However I also feel that having others relating to a writer's work is the greatest honor, as long it is not obsession, that is rather unhealthy.
I am sure you will understand what I am saying.
Very good work.
Take good care. 😃

[Twilight]

It's just a risk that every writer has to take, when their writings go on view for the public.

The same principle applies to all other artists too, really, whether it be painting, singing; or any other avenue of public expression.

Over time, the associated angst and problems; can be overcome. Even I struggled with it, when I furst started posting writing on here; many years ago.

It can be character building, when people try and succeed; to overcome this daunting challenge.

[Twilight]

Just spotted a typing error lol. First not furst, I should have typed.

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yes, you are right.
Take good care friend.

[carl]

If I write for my own benefit ( and I do and think most must ) I also write b/c I have something to say that I want others to consider ( or why would I post ) I write as clearly as I can and sometimes I ( fear? ) that my words will not be understood or perhaps a different understanding will be received ( and I don't like that ). I've been told don't worry about how your work is taken ( but I do ) - I do not claim to be an artist ( poet ) but I think that this is what they ( artist ) have to deal with. Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. His works are now among the most famous and expensive in the world. and I'm not sure even today that his vision is understood as he saw it. - I enjoyed finding your work and will return - carl

[Anou]

This poem is wonderful!
I agree; Some people think they know everything about you your thoughts, your feelings and still they are waiting for you to validate that they know a lot.

[Twilight]

Just don't worry about, how people respond or comment; and focus more upon positive comments and reviews..?

If writing is just a hobby or interest for someone, he or she does not need to worry excessively; about how other people respond?

[Twilight]

I suppose, that's just a risk that every writer has to take; Green. Not just you. It applies equally in principle, to every writer who allows his or her work - to go on public display.

If you don't like it, then you don't like it. If you don't know how to handle it, you don't know how to handle it.

But, you could write a poem about how the angst of this reality; "grinds your gears". Oh, you just did that lol..!

[Dave W.]

People are weird, good poem....

[Twilight]

Indeed. Weird enough, to put their writing on display; and expecting or assuming that they will respond - just as the writer anticipates.

"If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen"; as the old saying goes.

Sometimes, it's way better to be weird - than dull and unimaginative. Weird is a word, which dullards sometimes use; as a way to label people who they simply do not understand.

[Dave W.]

This is an interesting response, I am not wring though, people can be weird with how they project their own interpretations into to things they see or read, things the artist or author never meant, weird when used in that context is not the devi e of a dullard but an accurate description of behavior.

[Dave W.]

For give the misspellings I am on my phone

[Twilight]

Yes, that makes more sense now. In other examples though, people do sometimes use "weird" as a label; for people who they don't understand. It happens for a number of writers, when people don't understand their work. Not always used in a derogatory way, but it does happen. Even so, weirdness can be very imaginative; and beyond the understanding of some people.

[Twilight]

Some of the best writings, can often seem weird to those who are unable to appreciate them. Not always down to people being dullards, I suppose. Sometimes, people are just not imaginative or open-minded enough; to appreciate writing which they label as "weird".

[Dave W.]

I am deff. a weird person and I love weird people, I love imagination and strangeness. I understand what you are saying though, I read you loud and clear.

[Twilight]

Good to know.

[Vol]

Green,
My favorite color... wait RED is my favorite color! Or blue...
"I tell my thoughts"
Over the last several years, I have read dozens of articles about the nature of consciousness. Where do thoughts originate? How do deep concepts suddenly appear while we are in the shower, or half asleep? No one knows.
I'm not an engineer. I'm a retired creative writing teacher. I did my first poetry reading in 1968. Words are my life, poetry my breath. May I say that I think there is a dearth of poets who have any idea what they are doing... The main problem they seem to have is finding their own voice. A problem you do not have. And yours is strong, indeed.
Vol

[Philip Gaber]

;-) Haha, nicely wrapped up there. We have our defaults and rely on them often. It's the rare person who is able to reset their defaults, which is hard but necessary from time to time.

[In Em's Wonderland]

Ah, the miscommunication poem...which can often be perceived by everyone in some way or another. I often enjoy talking through text and whatnot, but it's otherwise easier to communicate face-to-face to better understand the others emotions or body language. I usually have a difficult time interpreting how people say things...

[Twilight]

So long as writing is just a hobby or interest for someone, it simply does not really matter that much; what other people may say about it? And, best not to take any negative comments or reviews; to heart?

[Twilight]

As you say, it can be instructive and interesting; to read the feedback from comments and reviews.read moreAs you say, it can be instructive and interesting; to read the feedback from comments and reviews.

Green is an engineer, as mentioned in her profile. For many people, that would be enough of an achievement in itself; rather than worrying excessively about how people respond to their writing..?

As the old saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat - stay out of the kitchen".

At the end of the day, this situation is the same for every kind of artist in the world; when they make their art - available for the public to view. It does not just apply to writers. And, certainly not just Green

[Neville]

John pointed me in this direction, the rest is history .. and believe me, I was not disappointed .. thanks to both of ya .. and write on .. Neville